The US State Department has announced a new visa bond pilot program requiring some applicants to post bonds of up to $15,000 to curb visa overstays.
Beginning later this month, applicants from countries identified as having high overstay rates will be required to pay a minimum of 5,000 as collateral. The bond will be refunded if the visitor adheres to all visa conditions, but forfeited if they overstay.
According to a notice set for publication in the US Federal Register, consular officers may demand bonds ranging from5,000 to $15,000 as a condition for issuing nonimmigrant visas.
The 12-month initiative, part of former President Donald Trump’s broader immigration control measures, is based on findings from a 2023 Department of Homeland Security report.
